Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, & Abuse
Featured Content January 2025
This article explains the first steps in the process of getting a Protection from Abuse Order (often called a 'PFA') in the state of Maine. It also lists many resources where survivors can get help…
Featured Content July 2024
The Family Law and Victim Rights Unit at Pine Tree Legal Assistance provides statewide coverage for the civil legal needs of victim/survivors of sexual assault. In many areas of the state, the Family…
Featured Content July 2024
Is sexual harassment covered under the Maine Human Rights Act?
The Maine Human Rights Act bans harassment based on:
Featured Content July 2024
Sometimes landlords react to sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking by taking action against the victim. There are state and federal laws that can help if this happens to you.
January 2025
Many Protection from Abuse cases are handled without a lawyer. If you believe that the other side will have a lawyer, or if there are complicated issues involved in your case, you may be better off…
December 2024
How does domestic violence affect children?
Violence and trauma can have long-lasting effects on children who witness or experience violent events.
December 2024
Lists resources for people in Maine who are separating or going through divorce: where to get legal and financial help, and other support services.
September 2024
A form for people getting TANF Benefits to use if they can't meet TANF requirements because of domestic violence or sexual assault, and would have a difficult time safely getting the documents DHHS
August 2024
The Maine court form for filing a Complaint for Protection from Harassment
August 2024
Maine court form packet for filing for Protection from Harassment on paper.
August 2024
August 2024
This is a form for the court to use - we post it here for informational purposes only.
August 2024
This is the Maine form for keeping your address confidential when filing for a Protection from Abuse order. Use this form if you don't want the abuser to know your address.
August 2024
The Maine form for providing information to the court for serving a Protection from Abuse order
August 2024
The Maine form for getting a Protection from Abuse court order
February 2024
Non-consensual pornography, also called revenge porn, is a fast growing area of sexual abuse. A new Maine law makes posting revenge porn illegal. Learn how to protect yourself if you become a victim.
August 2023
How do I know if my child’s sexual behavior is normal or a sign of abuse?
As a caregiver, you may be worried about a child if they start displaying sexualized behaviors.
May 2022
The Court has recently updated many family law forms! We are in the process of updating our forms, to match.
December 2018
Can I find out if a person who committed a crime against me is being released from jail or prison?
Generally, yes. You can get a “notification of release” if you are the victim of a crime.
December 2018
If someone is harassing you and you cannot get that person to stop, there is a Maine law that may help you. It is called the "Protection from Harassment" law.
December 2018
The Maine Court Forms for Protection from Abuse cases have been translated into several other languages.
Protection from Abuse Actions in Maine: Special Considerations When the Defendant is in the Military
December 2018
Maine has a protection from abuse (PFA) law for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking.
December 2018
If you (or your child) have been sexually assaulted at school, there are laws that can help protect you. One of the most important laws is called Title IX (Title Nine).
Title IX says that schools…
December 2018
Sexual assault affects many members of the LGBTQ+ community. Many Maine organizations work to serve the needs of LGBTQ+ survivors.
December 2018
What is consent?
Consent is when you give permission for something to happen. Consent is an important part of sex. A person’s consent to a sexual activity should be:
December 2018
Yes! Usually to get a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order, the abuser and survivor need to be family or household members or dating partners.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance helps survivors of sexual…
December 2018
Listen to our podcast on harassment in rental housing! This podcast is about sexual harassment in rental housing and what to do if you believe that you have been harassed by your landlord, an…
November 2018
Si alguien le acosa y Usted no tiene los medios de evitar que esa persona deje de acosarlo, hay una ley en el Estado de Maine que puede ayudarlo. Aquí se encuentra información sobre la ley y sus…